LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) Institute is a year-long leadership development program for nonprofit managers aspiring to greater leadership. LEAD serves the diverse communities of Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties. Since it began in 2009, more than 200 LEADers have completed the program.
Applications for the 2026 LEAD Institute are now open and due by Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
An information session will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025 from 10–11 a.m. at the CFMC Monterey Conference Room, 2354 Garden Road, Monterey.
LEAD Institute is committed to building an inclusive and equitable teaching community where LEADers identify core values, share resources, and cultivate a supportive network for leadership growth and mission impact.
LEADers commit to ten intensive, day-long monthly seminars for leadership growth and reflection at the beautiful Harden Foundation in Salinas, and experience six months of individualized, one-on-one coaching with a professional coach.
100% of LEAD Institute grads (2023) feel somewhat or to a great degree prepared for greater leadership responsibility.
LEAD can help you thrive:
LEAD Institute has been a particularly impactful opportunity for multiple staff members to build their own networks of trusted colleagues, refine their personal communication style and stories, tackle leadership challenges with great support, and gain confidence in their own judgement. I have been thrilled to witness the increased confidence and clarity about leadership I’ve seen evolve as the program unfolds over the year. Thank you!"
The Community Foundation Santa Cruz County and the Community Foundation for San Benito County partner with the Community Foundation for Monterey County to ensure strong participation from all three counties.
Recent contributors with expertise in nonprofit management and leadership development have included LEAD Institute Alumni ileana Ortega Brunetti, Cecilia Romero, Alisa Smith and Eric Mora. This year’s facilitators include the Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz, Steve Dennis, Catherine Hambley, G. Luca Oake, Sharon Papo and CNE staff Reid Norris and Susie Polnaszek.
Thank you to our 2025 LEAD coaches: Angela Lopez, Anne Auburn, Arne Croce, Christine Silver, Clare Mounteer, Daniela Bryan, Jennifer Britton, Kate Mitchell Mehle, Kathleen Rice, Kurt Schake, Mandy Owen, Maria Lopez, Marie Earl, Nicole Velasco, Oscar Flores, Ronesha Jackson, Steffanie Gamecho and Willy Elliott-Mcrea.
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